Early Birthday Treat

It isn't my birthday until Sunday, but as that is Easter this year, we decided to have my Birthday lunch early.

First of all we drove to Helmsley.
One of my favourite North Yorkshire market towns. Managed to park in the market square, and then first stop was Hunters,where we bought some provisions, including roast beef. The best.  Cooked pink and so succulent. It will go into tomorrow's sandwiches.
The weather was so warm and sunny. What a change! Up to 20C.
Had a walk round the town.
( photo of the little beck in the collage)
Had a look in a couple of shops. One also has a garden where they have many objects and sculptures on sale. https://www.saltboxgallery.co.uk/
( see this beautiful sculpture in the collage, which moves gently in the wind. Just need £8000!)

We then  drove to the nearby tiny village of Wass, where we had lunch at the Stapylton Arms.
We haven't been before.
What a lovely pub. We shared a fish platter for our main course.
Prawns, Crayfish, smoked salmon, pickled herring, anchovies, scampi, fish terrine, mixed salad, coleslaw. Delicious. Ate most of it, but just left enough room for a dessert. 
I couldn't resist Dark chocolate truffle mousse, with dark cherries and brandy snap biscuit. ( see collage)  Mr C had Vanilla Creme Brulee, with blackberry compot.
Delightful place, staff and food. We will be back. ( I hope soon!)

As we were near Byland Abbey we stopped to have a look round.
Now a ruin, and looked after by English Heritage,  It was built in the 12th Century by the Cistercian monks, and was one of the largest in Britain.
Now a little known hidden gem. ( see collage) See map.

Lovely drive back throough the Howardian Hills , until we came to the York Ring Road, were traffic was a nightmare.  Ok once we round the city.

Both feel quite tired now.. I have certainly enjoyed my Birthday treat.
An early night I think as we have to be up early tomorrow to meet with the Pudseys for a walk from Linton near Grassington.
It sounds as if it will be another nice Spring day.